SSC Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen has gained a massive dose of double praise from his club’s coach, Luciano Spalletti and one of his teammates, Dries Mertens, megasportsarena.com reports.
The latest round of accolades is coming Osimhen’s way in the wake of his superb performance off the bench and goal against Legia Warsaw of Poland in the UEFA Europa League.
Despite having to play as a second half substitute during the encounter at Diego Maradona Stadium in Naples, Osimhen slotted home his side’s second goal in a sumptuous 3-0 win, following which plaudits are raining for him one by the dozen.
Spalletti led the shower of encomiums on the former Ultimate Strikers of Lagos, VfL Wolfsburg of Germany, Sporting Charleroi of Belgium and Lille Metropole of France hitman, as the 22-year-old ace scored Napoli’s second goal against the Polish side.
The gaffer also tagged Osimhen as a great professional who is eager to learn, after he helped La Partenopei secure their first win in Group C after goals from Lorenzo Insigne, who broke the deadlock in the 76th minute.
Osimhen was introduced for Hirving Lozano, just before the hour-mark and he went on to score a goal in his third straight match in the competition so far in this campaign.
The youngster’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions came in the 80th minute, after which Matteo Politano also netted in stoppage time to give Napoli all three points.
Napoli’s tactician also disclosed how happy he is that he has been able to improve the talent of Osimhen, who has also scored five goals in Serie A from seven appearances.
“He [Osimhen] is accustomed to galloping in wide-open spaces, so coming back to get the ball or support his teammate and then make the run are things he is still learning.
“He’s a great professional, a lovely guy who is eager to learn and improve. His teammates adore him, he wants to be with them all the time and we’re very fortunate to have him.
“When you have so many attacking players, we can seek variations and try new ways to break down the opposition.
“With Osimhen, Mertens, and Insigne on the field, it becomes easier to find that moment of magic,” Spalletti told Football Italia.
Similar praise came from Mertens, who said he was thrilled seeing Osimhen, a 57th minute substitute, double the advantage with a powerful finish from a tight angle after a brilliant pass from Insigne in the 80th minute.
In doing so, Osimhen became the second Napoli player to score in each of his first three matches during a single season in European competition, after Mertens enacted same feat in 2015-2016, and the record holder admitted he is happy seeing the Nigerian lad finally settle down in Naples.
Mertens told UEFA’s official website: “Osimhen arrived last season and had a few difficulties settling.
“He also had injury problems, so I tried to help him. He’s a smart lad who wants to listen and learn. I give him all the love in the world.”
